What is RFID Blocking and How Does It Work?

In an increasingly digital world, our personal information is vulnerable in more ways than ever before. There is another concern that has been highlighted in recent years with the use of technology; that of RFID technology. On the same note, with the introduction of RFID, we have not only seen improvement in the aspects of convenience and efficiency but also the door has been opened to various evildoers to sneak into our lives and go through our personal data without our consent. RFID blocking is the answer to this problem So let me introduce you to RFID blocking. But why is RFID blocking and how does it assist in defense of our information? This let us enter deeper into the discussion of this topic.

What is RFID?

For a clear understanding of what RFID blocking entails, one has to know what RFID stands for and how it functions. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification – a technology with the help of which objects which are attached to tags can be identified and traced with the help of electromagnetic fields. These tags contain individually stored information that can be read by means of an RFID reader from a distance.

RFID technology is widely used in various applications, including:

• Payment Card such as credit card or debit card now comes with the feature of contactless payments.
• Electronic passports
• Access control Tags for Workplace
• Transit passes
• Inventory management systems

Although RFID has eased the difficulties of life by cutting the time that one uses to pay for goods and services, get access to buildings among others, it comes with security concerns. This kind of RFID tags makes it easier for hackers who possess RFID readers to capture information that could be written on the RFID tags including credit card numbers or personal identification.

What is RFID Blocking?

Now that we understand what RFID technology is, let’s answer the question: But before we answer that question, let us first know what RFID blocking is. RFID blocking is commonly referred to as the use of materials and gadgets which prevent an RFID reader from accessing information that is captured in RFID tagged merchandise like credit cards, passports, and identification cards.
RFID blocking thus prevents the act of scanning or “skimming” of your identification in two ways since it encumbers or jams the RFID reader from accessing signals from the tag.

How Does RFID Block Technology Work?

RFID blocking technology bars one from getting any information from your RFID tag. However, because RFID is non-contact, fraudsters are able to use a card skimmer to read your RFID tag and gain entry to your information, notwithstanding that your card may be covered by your clothes or lying in your pocket.

RFID blocking technology is used to establish barrier that would not allow the skimming device to obtain the details that are in the RFID tag. It jams the radio frequencies through which communication is done between the tag and the card skimmer. Therefore, the RFID blocking technology interferes with the signals by rendering them non readable.

What is an RFID Protected Wallet?

An RFID protected wallet is a wallet within which you have some kind of RFID blocking capability to protect your cards and your passport from skimming. The wallet comes with a shield which eliminates the possibility of the RFID tags being picked by a card skimmer or anything of the sort. However, the author wants the reader to understand that contactless fraud is more probable to occur in the cities with more pedestrian traffic, so in large cities. Therefore, if you are planning on going for a city break anytime soon, this particular accessory should go on your holiday shopping list: an RFID protected wallet. These wallets can be purchased through internet stores and the cost varies according to stores.

Can RFID be Hacked?

Yes. However, what many people do not know is that RFID can be hacked. What this means is that you can be in an airport, shopping center, tourist market and somebody walk right by you and pick pocket you without touching you. Fortunately, RFID skimming from these distances employs a fairly advanced technology.

Majority of the hackers, who are able to skim RFID information from few meters away, are using it for something else more interesting.

Although close-range skimmers pose the biggest threat of stealing your RFID data.

Do I Need RFID Blocking?

Given the relatively low frequency of RFID-related crimes, many people wonder: Am I going to have to get an RFID blocking?

Assessing the Risk

RFID skimming is not as common as are other crimes such as online data theft and identity theft. However, for those who frequently use RFID enabled cards, or if you need to be in environments where your data may be at risk such as airports or forming part of a defenseless mass of people in public transport, then an RFID blocking could be a worthy investment.

Types of RFID Blocking Products

Today there are plenty of RFID-blocking products in a form of cheap sleeves up to wallets and bags which are made of RFID-blocking material.

Here are some common types of RFID-blocking products: Here are some common types of RFID-blocking products:

1. RFID-blocking wallets: These are usually made from leather or any other material that is coated with RFID blocking material.
2. RFID-blocking sleeves: These are small and portable products which can accommodate single card or passport.
3. RFID-blocking bags: These offer protection in bulkier items such as laptops, passports and mobile gadgets.
4. RFID-blocking clothing: Some brands thus have jackets or vests designed with extra padding that has been enhanced rid of RFID-blocking technology.

How to Keep Your Data Secure Beyond RFID Blocking

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Using a VPN is one of the most effective ways of protecting your digital data especially if you are connecting to a public Wi-Fi connection. A VPN secures your connection, making it challenging for hackers to access sensitive information during online activities like shopping or banking.

iProVPN for Data Security

With iProVPN, you can enjoy these benefits:

• Military-grade Encryption: Internet connection will be protected with secure encryption, which means no one, hackers included, will be able to access your information.
• No-logs Policy: iProVPN does not maintain your logs or any data related to your browsing thus enhancing your privacy level.
• Secure Streaming: iProVPN lets you have access to different contents irrespective of the country or the region you are located in or the content is restricted by the authorities.
• Multiple Device Compatibility: One can install iProVPN on smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs and it offers extensive protection.

2. Keep Your Software Updated

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Mentioning two-factor authentication (2FA) means that the presence of several logins increases the protection of an account. If an intruder obtains your password, they still cannot access your account. Two-factor authentication provides an additional code sent to your phone or email.

4. Do Not Connect to Public Wi-Fi Without Encryption

5. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts

Another way is to monitor your accounts for any fraudulent activities. Most of the financial institutions provide notification when they notice any suspicious transaction that you could have missed.

Conclusion

RFID blocking is a very practical approach to shield your valuable data from being retrieved by other unauthorized RFID readers. However, RFID blocking is not the only measure needed to ensure the safety of your information. And for those who are still in doubt let me deliciously hand you a question – does RFID blocking really work?